California is poised to be a leader on the international stage by finally ending the paper vs. plastic debate. State bill AB 1998 tackles the true root issue: Single-use, disposable bags are an unnecessary waste of natural resources and are harmful to the systems that support life on this planet. If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2011.

State bill AB 1998 specifically:

Prohibits all supermarkets, retail pharmacies and chain convenience stores from distributing single-use plastic and paper carryout bags to their customers at point of sale.

Does not apply to bags that are used to carry bulk items, produce or raw meat to the checkout.

Requires stores to make reusable bags available for purchase instead of using single-use carryout bags.

Requires a report to the legislature on the effectiveness of this policy, including recommendations to further encourage the use of reusable bags by consumers and retailers, and the feasibility of expanding the policy to cover other retail establishments.

Let’s do our part to get rid of the Plastic Bag Man. Make a pledge to stop using one-use bags and Mama will send you a MamasHealth.com reusable tote bag.

Enter your email address in the comment form and we will contact you directly for your mailing address. Your email address will remain private and will not be viewable to the public.